Last week, L'Oréal announced that its La Roche-Posay My Skin Track UV—the first battery-free wearable electronic to measure UV exposure is available for sale through apple.com and select U.S. Apple Store locations.

La Roche-Posay My Skin Track UV measures both UVA and UVB rays, and provides instant status updates while storing up to three months of data. The battery-free sensor is activated by the sun and powered by the user's smartphone using near-field communication (NFC). My Skin Track UV relays stored data to its accompanying app through an easy single-touch function: users simply tap My Skin Track UV against their smartphone to update the app.

In addition to extensive UV data, the app—which seamlessly integrates with Apple HealthKit—provides insights into humidity, pollen, and pollution levels. The discreet wearable sensor is 12mm wide and 6mm high, waterproof, and has a sturdy wire clip that can conveniently attach to clothing or accessories.

"Our research has long indicated the need for better consumer understanding of personal UV exposure," said Guive Balooch, Global Vice President and Head of L'Oréal's Technology Incubator. "We created this battery-free sensor to seamlessly integrate into the lives, and daily routines, of those using it. We hope the launch of this problem-solving technology makes it easier for people to make smart, sun-safe choices."

My Skin Track UV was co-developed with L'Oréal's leading skincare brand, La Roche-Posay, which works closely with dermatologists to develop safe and effective skincare products for patients worldwide. My Skin Track UV was the result of a partnership and research L'Oréal conducted in conjunction with Professor John Rogers from Northwestern University, through his portfolio of intellectual property (IP) and innovation around flexible, stretchable electronics and millimeter-scale wireless technologies, with two leading wearable companies — MC10, Inc. and Wearifi.

In 2016, L'Oréal released its smartphone-connected UV patch called My UV Patch in partnership with medical sensor company MC10 and a custom product development company, called PCH. The patch uses photosensitive dyes to assess the user’s baseline skin tone. It then changes colors based on the amount of UV exposure the user receives. The patch’s companion app, available on on iOS and Android devices, will prompt the user to scan the patch to get an update on their UV exposure.